It’s fun shopping for a new puppy or rescue dog. From training to feeding and sleeping to playing, your new puppy will need a few dog accessories to make life comfy, easy and fun. Be prepared and visit your local pet-supply store or major online pet stores, before you bring home your new family member.
Custom dog collars and ID tags
Accustom your dog to wearing a collar the first day you bring him home. A custom dog collar and ID tag will help your Chihuahua in the event that he becomes lost, collars will also be handy training tool. If your toy dog gets into trouble, the collar will act as a handle, helping you divert him to a more appropriate behavior.
Make sure the collar fits snugly enough so your Chi cannot wriggle out of it but is loose enough so it will not be uncomfortably tight around his neck. You should be able to fit a finger between the pup and the collar. Dog collars come in many styles, but for starting out, a simple buckle collar with an easy-release snap works great.
Buying orthopedic dog beds
Orthopedic dog beds are probably the most important dog accessories what you can buy for your Chihuahua. It will make sleeping and resting more comfortable for your toy dog. Dog beds come in all shapes, sizes and colors, but your dog just needs one that is soft and large enough for him to stretch out on. Because puppies and rescue dogs often don’t come house trained, it’s helpful to buy an orthopedic dog bed that can be washed easily.
If your toy dog will be sleeping in a crate, a nice crate pad and a small blanket that he can burrow in will help him feel more at home. Replace the blanket if it becomes ragged and starts to fall apart because your toy dog’s nails could get caught in it.
Dog leashes
For training or just for taking a stroll down the street, a leash is your toy dog’s means to explore the outside world. Like collars, dog leashes come in a variety of styles and materials. A 6-foot nylon leash is a popular choice because it is lightweight and durable.
As your pup grows and gets used to walking on the leash, you may want to purchase a more flexible leash. These allow you to extend the length to give your dog a broader area to explore or to shorten the length to keep your dog closer to you.
Buying indoor dog gates
Similar to those used for toddlers, indoor dog gates help keep your puppy confined to one room or area when you can’t supervise him. Gates also work to keep your Chihuahua out of areas you don’t want him in. Indoor dog gates are available in many sizes and styles. For toy dogs, make sure the one you choose has openings small enough so your puppy can’t squeeze through the bars or any openings.
Toys for dogs
Dog accessories like toys, can come really handy, when it comes to raising a Chihuahua. Keeps your dog occupied and entertained. Teething puppies like to chew-in fact, chewing is a physical need for pups as they are teething-and everything from your shoes to the leather couch to the fancy rug is fair game. Divert your Chi’s chewing instincts with durable toys like bones made of nylon or hard rubber.
Other fun toys for dogs include rope toys, treat dispensing toys and balls. Make sure the toys and bones don’t have small parts that could break off and be swallowed, causing your dog to choke. Stuffed toys can become destuffed and an overly excited toy puppy may ingest the stuffing or the squeaker.
Playing with toys from from puppyhood encourages good behavior and social skills throughout your dog’s life. A happy, playful dog is a content and well-adjusted one. Also because all puppies chew to soothe their gums and help loosen puppy teeth, dogs should always have easy access to several different toys.
Check your Chihuahua’s toys regularly and replace them if they become frayed or show signs of wear.
Dog bowls
Your toy dog will need two bowls-one for water and one for food. You may want two sets of bowls, one for inside and one for outside, depending on where your Chi will be fed and where he will be spending time. Dog bowls should be sturdy enough so they don’t tip over easily. Most have reinforced bottoms that prevent tipping. Bowls usually are made of metal ceramic or plastic and should be easy to clean.
Crates for dogs
A multipurpose crate serves as a bed, house training tool and travel carrier. It also is the ideal doggie den -a bedroom of sorts- that your toy dog can retire to when he wants to rest or just needs a break. The crate should be large enough for your Chihuahua to stand in, turn around and lie down.
You don’t want any more room than this- especially if you’re planning on using the crate to house train your dog– because he will eliminate in one corner and lie down in another. Get a crate that is big enough for your dog when he is an adult. Then, use dividers to limit the space for when he’s a puppy.
Cleaning supplies
Until your Chihuahua pup is house trained, you will be doing a lot of cleaning. Potty accidents will occur, which is acceptable in the beginning because your Chihuahua puppy won’t know any better. All you can do is be prepared to clean up any accidents with a positive attitude. Old rags, towels, newspapers and a stain-and-odor remover are good to have on hand.
Beyond the basics
The dog accessories mentioned on this page are the bare necessities. You will find out what else you need as you go along – grooming supplies, flea/tick protection, etc. These things will vary depending on your situation, but it is important that you have everything you need to make your Chi comfortable in his new home.
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